UAE: Dubai-based athlete embarks on extreme 10,000km triathlon in 100 days for cancer ahead of T100 finale

Time of India

09-08-2025

With the Dubai T100 just 100 days away, Dubai-based endurance athlete Ghani Souleymane has launched an unprecedented triathlon mission, a 100-day physical and humanitarian effort covering 10,000 kilometers.
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As the region prepares for one of its biggest sporting events this November, Ghani is testing the limits of human endurance to raise funds for children affected by cancer and conflict.
A first-of-its-kind endurance feat
On August 8, Ghani Souleymane began a 100-day triathlon journey, completing one full T100-format triathlon every day. The challenge involves a 2km swim, an 80km bike ride, and an 18km run, daily, culminating in a total of 10,000km by the time he crosses the finish line on November 16, the final day of the Dubai T100.
Ghani's effort will amount to:
200km of swimming
8,000km of cycling
1,800km of running
The final day of his 100-day challenge is scheduled to coincide with the Dubai T100's amateur triathlon, allowing him to complete his last race alongside hundreds of fellow participants, many of whom will be tackling the T100 format for the first time, while Ghani finishes his 100th consecutive triathlon on the same course.
This is more than a test of physical ability, it's a bid for a Guinness World Record for the most consecutive T100 triathlons completed.
It is also a massive fundraising initiative aimed at supporting vulnerable children, particularly those impacted by cancer and conflict.
The athlete behind the challenge
Originally from Togo and now a prominent figure in Dubai's fitness community, Ghani Souleymane is a seasoned endurance athlete, running coach, and member of Adidas Runners Dubai. Known for his previous feats, including 30 ultramarathons in 30 days in 2020 and 30 Ironman triathlons in 30 days in 2023, Ghani's reputation is grounded in pushing the boundaries of endurance for meaningful causes.
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He is a Dubai Fitness Challenge Hall of Famer and frequently uses his athletic undertakings to raise awareness and support for health and education-based initiatives. His current challenge continues that mission, focusing on healthcare and sports inclusion.
This 100-day initiative benefits the Al Jalila Foundation, which is constructing the Hamdan Bin Rashid Cancer Charity Hospital, a 250-bed facility dedicated to cancer care.
The project also supports Heroes of Hope, a UAE-based initiative offering inclusive sports programs for people of determination, enabling children and adults with disabilities to engage in regular physical activity and community events.
The daily routine and support system
Ghani's schedule is built for consistency and endurance. Each day starts before sunrise with a 2km swim, usually at Kite Beach, followed by an 80km cycling leg and then an 18km run, all under the intense summer heat of the UAE, where temperatures can reach up to 52°C.
His body requires approximately 7,000 calories daily to maintain performance levels. Meals are prepared by SKitchen, with specialized nutrition plans developed by endurance sports nutritionist Yuri Nemoto.
Equipment and logistical support are provided by various sponsors, including a custom Ventum racing bike and technical gear tailored to the rigors of high-endurance racing. The effort is backed by the Professional Triathletes Organisation (PTO), the body behind the T100 Triathlon World Tour, underscoring the professional credibility of the challenge.
Dubai T100 and the bigger picture
The Dubai T100, part of the T100 Triathlon World Tour, is set to take place from November 13–16, 2025, and marks the penultimate stop before the T100 World Championship final in Qatar.
Held across four days, the event will feature:
Corporate Duathlon Relay (Nov 13)
Sprint Triathlon & Elite T100 Pro Races (Nov 15)
The Music Run (Nov 15)
100km Amateur Triathlon (Nov 16)
The Elite T100 Pro Race will follow the same format Ghani is completing daily, 2km swim, 80km bike, and 18km run, and includes top male and female triathletes from around the world. It's regarded as one of the fastest and most dynamic courses globally.
This edition of the Dubai T100 also forms part of the Dubai Fitness Challenge, a citywide movement encouraging residents to stay active with 30 minutes of daily physical activity over 30 days.
The Professional Triathletes Organisation recently secured a major financial boost through a Series C funding round led by SURJ Sports Investment, Sir Michael Moritz, Cordillera, and Verance Capital. This funding aims to grow triathlon's global footprint, develop new formats like The Music Run and Corporate Relay, and increase the sport's reach in the MENA region, where Dubai stands as a central hub.
Full Dubai T100 event schedule: November 13–16, 2025
The Dubai T100 will span four action-packed days, blending elite competition with community-focused activities. The event caters to all levels, from seasoned triathletes to corporate teams and casual runners, and is set against Dubai's iconic cityscape. Here's how the schedule unfolds:
Thursday, November 13: Corporate duathlon relay
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Designed specifically for the business community, this event brings together company teams for a fast-paced duathlon challenge.
It features a relay format, promoting teamwork and friendly competition.
Aimed at encouraging corporate wellness and participation in endurance sports.
Saturday, November 15: A day of high-energy races
1. Sprint Triathlon
Distance: 750m swim, 20km bike, 5km run
A shorter format ideal for newcomers to triathlon, offering a manageable entry point into the sport.
Open to amateur athletes of all experience levels.
2. Elite T100 Pro Race
Full T100 format: 2km swim, 80km bike, 18km run
Features the world's top-ranked professional triathletes.
This is the second-last stop in the global T100 Triathlon World Tour, just before the final in Qatar.
The men's race begins first, followed by the women's race two hours later.
High-speed, high-stakes competition with global ranking implications.
Known for its flat, fast course and elite athletic performances.
3. The Music Run
A 5km fun run infused with music, energy, and community spirit.
Attracts thousands of participants; over 6,000 runners joined in 2024.
Features themed music zones, live DJs, and a festival-like atmosphere.
Designed for all fitness levels, no timing chips, just rhythm and fun.
Often considered Dubai's most enjoyable mass participation run.
Sunday, November 16: 100km amateur triathlon
A full-scale triathlon for non-professional athletes using the official T100 format:
2km swim
80km bike
18km run
It offers amateur participants the rare opportunity to race on the exact same course and under the same conditions as the elite professionals. This final event not only brings the Dubai T100 to a close, but also marks the culmination of Ghani Souleymane's extraordinary journey, as he completes his 100th consecutive triathlon alongside the wider triathlon community.